Best High Mileage Cars Under 10 Lakh: Complete Guide for 2026

Author: Unknown•Published on: 1/19/2026•6 Minutes
Overview:Indian car buyers have been value-conscious buyers, especially in the under 10 lakh segment. Carmakers like Maruti, Tata and Hyundai know this and have come up with products that suit every car owner’s needs, especially the one that pinches them the most, their fuel cost. Here is a lowdown on the best high-mileage cars under 10 Lakh in 2026. Read on to know more.
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Highlights:

  • What is considered high mileage?
  • How to get high mileage from a car?
  • Best high-mileage cars in India
  • Factors affecting car mileage

Mileage has been the focal point of all car-buying decisions in the sub-10 lakh market. Some of the most high-mileage cars under ₹10 lakh in 2026 are small petrol hatchbacks and compact sedans. The brands that make these cars have understood client requirements perfectly and delivered some stellar products over the years. Brands like Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Hyundai and Renault have products that claim fuel efficiency above 20 km/l in this segment. But selecting the right car in this budget entails balancing ARAI mileage figures with real-world usage, space, safety, and long-term maintenance.


The Mileage Question


A mileage figure of 20 KMPL is considered high mileage in 2026. These figures are as per the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), or they are claimed by the car manufacturer in their sales pitch. Often, these mileage numbers are different in real-world conditions. When drivers drive in city traffic, they tend to get lower fuel efficiency than when the mileage testing was done on test tracks. However, these fuels are useful for comparing efficiency between models.

What affects these figures in mixed driving is traffic, AC usage, driving style, and load. Despite this, hatchbacks and compact sedans remain significantly cheaper to run than larger SUVs in the same price band.

If mileage is the most important criterion for you in the under ₹10 lakh segment, then here is a list of popular cars, mainly petrol models, which you can look at:

1.       Maruti Suzuki Swift (new gen)
With claimed mileage figures of 20KMPL, the latest Swift is an efficient hatchback with a petrol engine tuned for fuel economy. If you are someone looking for a no-nonsense car that comes with low running costs, easy parking and strong resale value, this is a good option.

2.       Maruti Suzuki Baleno / Toyota Glanza
Some petrol trims of this car offer ARAI figures in the 22–23 km/l range. The car remains in the 10 lakh mark for mid variants. What this car offers is good features, styling and ride, along with fuel efficiency. It offers a bit more than most entry-level hatchbacks.

3.       Maruti Suzuki Celerio / S-Presso / Wagon R
Maruti sure knows what its customers want, especially when it comes to fuel-efficient cars. The trio of Celerio, S-Presso and Wagon R are among the most fuel-efficient cars in the country. Some variants of these cars in alternate fuels offer 25 km/l or more as per ARAI. They are great for city commutes and are very easy on the pocket.

4.       Tata Tiago / Tiago NRG / Tigor
Coming from the workshops of Tata, we have the Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan, which are known to deliver competitive mileage figures. This is in addition to the build quality that Tata has come to be known for. While not quite in the range of Maruti cars, compact Tata cars are giving the customer the choice to own efficient cars with solid build.

5.        Hyundai Grand i10 Nios / Aura
While fuel efficiency is not really the key selling point of Hyundai cars, its compact hatch-sedan pair focuses on comfort and refinement while still offering frugal petrol engines. The driveability of these cars is loved by customers who are willing to adjust a little with the fuel economy numbers.

6.       Renault Kwid / Triber / Kiger (lower variants)
If you want more room in the car without compromising on fuel economy, Renault’s small cars and compact crossovers offer competitive mileage. The Triber is a great example of this and has a customer base that just loves what the brand has to offer.

While compact SUVs are heavier and slightly less efficient than tiny hatchbacks, many petrol-manual variants still stay respectable on fuel. You can also look deeper into models like Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite and Hyundai Exter. ​


What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Fuel-Efficient Car?


Remember, mileage is also a function of your driving style and driving conditions. Mileage figures on paper only make sense when the car fits your daily usage, budget, and comfort needs. It is important that you judge all factors before finalising a product.

ARAI Vs. Real-World Mileage


Note that ARAI is a testing agency, and the mileage figures it brings out are measured in controlled conditions. These should be used only for a basic comparison between models. Real-world usage is often vastly different from testing conditions, and it is always advised that you ask a real-world user what the mileage figures are really like.

City Vs. Highway Rides

It is a no-brainer that a car returns better fuel economy figures on a highway where there are fewer reasons to brake. If your driving is going to be inside the city with stop-go traffic, smaller, lighter hatchbacks often deliver better economy and easier manoeuvrability.


Fuel Type and Future Costs



For this budget, petrol and CNG remain the most common choices.  There are next to no Diesel options at ₹10 lakh due to higher costs and government regulations. The hybrids that truly return a high mileage are priced higher than this range.


Factors Other than Mileage



With Indian road conditions, safety is also a very important factor to be kept in mind when choosing a car. Essentials like structural safety, airbags, ABS, ESP and crash ratings should also be considered along with mileage.


How to Get the Best Mileage in Daily Use


More than specs, it is your driving style and maintenance record that create a bigger difference in fuel bills.  For the best mileage in any car, gentle acceleration and timely upshifts keep the engine in an efficient rev range, ensuring utmost fuel efficiency. Sudden braking is the enemy of good fuel efficiency, so keep your driving smooth and anticipate traffic better. Maintaining a steady cruising speed on highways usually adds a noticeable 1–2 KMPL over time.

You also need to maintain your car regularly and ensure it has the correct tyre pressure. Always use recommended engine oil for the health of your car’s engine. Refrain from installing oversized tyres that reduce mileage and increase running costs.


FAQs 

1. What is car mileage?

In simple words, it is the measure of the distance a vehicle travels per unit of fuel. It is typically identified in kilometres per litre (kmpl) or miles per gallon (mpg).

2. How do you calculate car mileage?

Most modern cars come pre-fitted with a system that shows their mileage. But if you want to do it the old-fashioned way, then fill the fuel tank, reset the trip metre, drive a set distance like 200 km, then refuel and note the litres added. Divide the distance travelled by fuel consumed. You will have to repeat this multiple times to come to an accurate figure.

3. What factors affect car mileage?

Traffic conditions, driving style, fuel type, maintenance of the vehicle, and tyre pressure are some of the factors that affect car mileage.